Protect Privacy & Reject Gerrymandering, NO State Geospatial Council

I stand in firm opposition to SB204 (Roberts) and HB71 (Taylor), seemingly well-intentioned but dangerously overreaching proposals that threaten the privacy, equity, and democratic integrity of Missourians. While these bill’s goals of coordinating geospatial data may sound benign, their potential for abuse poses an unacceptable risk to our fundamental freedoms. 1. Privacy Erosion Under the Guise of “Coordination” These bills empower the state to collect hyper-precise location data, including the ability to track cell phones within 6 inches of their location. Proponents claim this data will be “anonymous,” but anonymization is a myth. A study in Nature proved that just four location points can identify 95% of individuals. Imagine the state amassing maps of your daily routines: where you worship, who you visit, or if you seek medical care. This isn’t hypothetical—governments in China and Russia weaponize such systems to suppress dissent. Missouri must not replicate their playbook. 2. A Tool for Partisan Gerrymandering Geospatial data is a goldmine for political manipulation. Detailed voter location information, paired with demographic trends, would enable lawmakers to surgically gerrymander districts to entrench power. In Wisconsin, partisan operatives used similar data to create maps so rigged that federal courts ruled them unconstitutional. Missouri’s history of gerrymandering, including the 2022 redistricting lawsuits, proves we cannot hand politicians a new tool to distort democracy. 3. Security Risks and Corporate Exploitation Centralizing sensitive data creates a honeypot for hackers. In 2021, ransomware attacks crippled hospitals and pipelines—why expose Missouri’s infrastructure to similar threats? Furthermore, the bill’s vague “public-private partnerships” could let corporations monetize your location data. Imagine insurers raising rates based on your gym attendance tracked by state maps, or predatory lenders targeting vulnerable neighborhoods. 4. Lack of Accountability The council’s unelected appointees would operate with zero transparency. Unlike FOIA-accessible agencies, geospatial data programs often hide behind “security” exemptions. Missourians deserve oversight, not a black box of unaccountable bureaucrats. In conclusion, efficiency cannot come at the cost of liberty. Other states like Utah faced backlash for similar councils after law enforcement abused geospatial tools to surveil protesters. Missouri must reject SB204 and HB71. Once this data is collected, the damage cannot be undone. Protect privacy, reject gerrymandering, and vote NO on this dangerous overreach.